Security concept in Magdeburg: After the attack, everything will be put to the test!

Two weeks after the deadly attack on the Magdeburg Christmas market, in which five people died and over 200 were injured, the political process of coming to terms with the shocking act has begun. The suspected perpetrator, Taleb A., a 50-year-old man from Saudi Arabia, was already known to the security authorities in at least three federal states. Despite existing reports, judgments and threats, there were no consequences because the authorities failed to combine the findings and draw conclusions from them. The security concept of the Christmas market, which had gaps, will also be examined in the discussion.

The Interior Ministry of Saxony-Anhalt has now admitted inadequate security measures and those affected and their relatives are demanding comprehensive information about the events that led to the attack. The political discussion about those responsible and the necessary security measures has already begun, with calls for stricter surveillance, expanded data storage and faster deportations of refugees who have committed criminal offenses, which could potentially also influence the federal election campaign.

Investigations and security policy issues

The investigation into the attack focuses on the security concept and police work. As the daily news reported, it was found that a designated police vehicle was not at the appropriate location during the attack, but was instead in a taxi parking bay. These and other questions about the organizer's security concept are being investigated by the responsible authorities.

In addition, there is a criminal complaint against the city of Magdeburg and the police station, which leads to possible criminal investigations into the security concept and the police operational concept. The Bundestag's Interior Committee will discuss the case in the coming days. Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser announced that she would conduct a transparent review of the investigation and at the same time warned against instrumentalization of the attack by political actors, in particular the AfD, which held a rally with around 3,500 participants in Magdeburg.

Taleb A. drove his car through the Christmas market on Friday evening, which had tragic consequences. According to Faeser, the motivation of the perpetrator, who previously made radical statements on social media, continues to be investigated. The perpetrator is considered to have good evidence as to his perpetrator.